Mercedes-Benz C-Class
WDC20304Stock varies — page stays liveThe CL203 C-Class SportCoupé is a three-door liftback/hatchback variant designed to capture a younger audience. Utilizing the W203 platform, it featured a shortened rear section, distinctive split glass tailgate, and a sporty driving dynamic.
Engine
M271 E18ML
Displacement
1,796 cc
Drive
2WD (FR)
Gearbox
6MT / 5AT
Fuel
Petrol
Body
Sedan
Mercedes-Benz C-Class — representative 2nd Gen SportCoupé (CL203) imageChassis variants of the C-Class
ChassisEngineDisplacementDriveGearbox
WDC20304M271 E18ML1,796 ccFR6MT / 5AT
WDD20404M271 DE18AL1,796 ccFR6MT / 5AT / 7ATDimensions & shipping volume
Length
4,343 mm
Width
1,728 mm
Height
1,406 mm
Weight
1,400 kg
Shipping volume
10.55 M³
Manufacture year vs. registration year
Japanese paperwork shows the first registration date, but African customs count age from the month of manufacture. Verify with the chassis serial before purchase:
Serial prefixProduction periodSeries
WDC203040XXXXXXMar 2001 – May 2002C230 Kompressor (2.3L M111)
WDC203042XXXXXXJun 2002 – May 2005C230 Kompressor (1.8L M271)
WDC203046XXXXXXJun 2005 – Feb 2008C230 V6 (2.5L M272)
Import eligibility by country (2001–2008)
KenyaNot eligible
8-year limit from manufacture — all units now exceed it.UgandaNot eligible
15-year limit from manufacture — all units now exceed it.TanzaniaEligible
No age ban; vehicles over 10 years pay additional excise duty.ZambiaEligible
No age limit; surtax applies to vehicles older than 5 years.MalawiEligible
No age limit; duty calculated on cc and age band.Common questions about the WDC20304
What is the primary difference between the CL203 and the standard W203 C-Class?
The CL203 is a three-door hatchback coupe with a shorter overall length and a fastback roofline, whereas the standard W203 is a four-door sedan or a five-door station wagon.
Are there common issues with the panoramic sunroof in the SportCoupé?
Yes, the optional panoramic sliding roof is known for alignment issues and motor guide rail failures. Regular cleaning and lubrication of the tracks are required.